Neurobiological findings in 20 relatively gifted children with Kanner-type autism or Asperger syndrome

Abstract

Seventeen children with classical Kanner autism and three children with Asperger syndrome, all of whom had Full-scale IQs above 65, were subjected to a neurobiological assessment, including CAT scan, auditory brainstem response, EEG, chromosomal cultures, cerebrospinal fluid, blood and urine examinations and a thorough physical examination. 15 of the 20 children had 'definite abnormalities' on at least one of these examinations. It is concluded that the number of cases of 'non-organic' autism, even among children with relatively higher intelligence, dwindles rapidly as our neurobiological assessment methods become increasingly sophisticated.